Airbnb has transformed how Malaysians make money with property. You no longer need to own multiple properties to earn passive income from Airbnb. Whether you’re a homeowner, a renter, or just starting with no capital, this guide will show you how to make RM5,000+ per month hosting on Airbnb in Malaysia.
This step-by-step guide covers how to start, best locations, strategies to maximize profits, and insider tips from successful Malaysian Airbnb hosts.
1. Can You Make Money with Airbnb in Malaysia?
Yes! Many hosts in Malaysia earn between RM2,000 – RM10,000 per month depending on location, property type, and marketing strategy.
Earning Potential Based on Property Type
| Property Type | Potential Monthly Income |
|---|---|
| Studio Apartment (KL, Penang, JB) | RM2,500 – RM5,000 |
| 2-Bedroom Condo | RM4,000 – RM7,000 |
| Luxury Home / Villa | RM8,000 – RM15,000 |
| Budget Homestay | RM1,500 – RM3,500 |
2. Best Locations for Airbnb in Malaysia
The right location can make or break your Airbnb business. Here are the most profitable areas:
Best Cities for Airbnb in Malaysia
- Kuala Lumpur – Best for business travelers & tourists
- Penang – High demand for heritage & beachfront stays
- Johor Bahru – Popular among Singaporean tourists
- Langkawi – High occupancy due to year-round tourism
- Genting Highlands – Great for weekend getaways
How to Choose a Profitable Location:
- Check Airbnb occupancy rates in the area.
- Avoid areas saturated with budget listings.
- Look for places near LRT/MRT stations, malls, and tourist spots.
3. How to Start an Airbnb Business in Malaysia
Option 1: Host Your Own Property
If you already own a house or condo, you can list it immediately on Airbnb.
Steps:
- Register on Airbnb (Free account setup) (airbnb.com)
- Furnish & stage your property (Make it Insta-worthy)
- Take high-quality photos (Natural lighting, wide-angle shots)
- Set pricing strategically (Competitive but profitable)
- List your Airbnb and start getting bookings!
Option 2: Rent & Sublet on Airbnb (No Property Needed)
Don’t own a property? You can still make money through rental arbitrage (renting a property and subletting it on Airbnb).
Steps:
- Find a landlord who allows Airbnb subletting.
- Negotiate a long-term rental contract.
- Furnish the unit cost-effectively (IKEA, Shopee, second-hand furniture).
- List the property on Airbnb at a higher price than your rental cost.
Option 3: Co-Host for Other Airbnb Owners
If you don’t have capital, offer Airbnb management services and take a percentage of the revenue.
What You Do as a Co-Host:
- Handle guest check-ins/check-outs
- Manage cleaning & maintenance
- Optimize pricing & Airbnb rankings
- Charge 20% – 30% of the rental income
4. Pricing Strategy – How to Charge the Right Rate
Setting the right price is key to maximizing profits. Here’s how to do it:
✓ Check competitor pricing in your area (Look at Airbnb listings with high reviews).
✓ Use dynamic pricing tools like Pricelabs or AirDNA to adjust rates based on demand.
✓ Increase rates during peak seasons (Public holidays, school holidays, year-end periods).
✓ Offer discounts for long-term stays (weekly/monthly rates attract digital nomads).
5. How to Get More Bookings on Airbnb
Having an Airbnb listing is not enough—you need to optimize your property to stand out.
Tips to Boost Your Airbnb Bookings:
✓ Write an engaging listing title (e.g., “Modern KLCC Condo with Infinity Pool & Netflix”)
✓ Optimize descriptions (Highlight key amenities like WiFi, free parking, self-check-in)
✓ Use professional photos (Great lighting + wide-angle shots = more clicks)
✓ Offer Airbnb Experiences (Partner with local tour guides for extra revenue)
✓ Respond to guests quickly (Faster replies = higher Airbnb ranking)
✓ Encourage 5-star reviews (Give small welcome gifts like snacks or local souvenirs)
6. Managing Your Airbnb Efficiently
Once your Airbnb is running, it’s important to automate processes to save time and increase profits.
Must-Have Tools for Airbnb Hosts:
✓ Auto-Messaging Tools: Use Hospitable (formerly Smartbnb) – Automates guest messaging and management for Airbnb hosts. to send automated guest messages.
✓ Cleaning & Maintenance Apps: Use Recommend.my – Local platforms for hiring professional cleaning and maintenance services in Malaysia. for professional cleaning services.
✓ Smart Locks & Self-Check-In: Install digital locks (Igloohome, Samsung) to allow seamless check-ins.
✓ Dynamic Pricing Software: Use AirDNA to adjust nightly rates based on demand.
7. Airbnb Costs & Profit Breakdown
To maximize profit, you need to calculate costs and optimize your expenses.
Typical Costs of Running an Airbnb in Malaysia
| Expense | Estimated Monthly Cost |
| Rental (if subletting) | RM2,000 – RM5,000 |
| Utilities (Water, Electricity, WiFi) | RM300 – RM500 |
| Cleaning Fees | RM200 – RM800 |
| Airbnb Service Fees | 3% of booking total |
| Miscellaneous (Repairs, Amenities) | RM100 – RM500 |
Example Profit Calculation
| Scenario: Studio Apartment in KL | Amount |
| Nightly Rate | RM180/night |
| Occupancy Rate | 20 nights/month |
| Gross Revenue | RM3,600 |
| Expenses (Rent + Utilities + Fees) | RM2,000 |
| Net Profit | RM1,600/month |
For larger properties, profits can easily exceed RM5,000 – RM10,000/month.
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Final Thoughts – Should You Start an Airbnb Business in Malaysia?
Airbnb is one of the most profitable and scalable side hustles in Malaysia. Whether you own property or not, there’s a way to get started:
- If you own a property, start hosting today.
- If you don’t own a property, try rental arbitrage or co-hosting.
- If you want passive income, automate your Airbnb and outsource management.
With the right location, pricing strategy, and Airbnb optimization, you can generate consistent income and achieve financial freedom through short-term rentals.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Always check local Airbnb regulations before starting.
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